Many people create a birth plan to state their preferences for labor and delivery. A birth plan will: help you think through your preferences ahead of time, explore different options you might not ...

There are lots of things we’re told about pregnancy, but when it actually happens to you, you realise there’s so much more to learn. In Unexpected, we’ll chart some of the less spoken about things ...

For expectant parents, navigating pregnancy, delivery and postpartum can raise a range of emotions. There are so many things to think about and prepare for, and knowing where to start can feel ...

If a baby is in your future, you’ve likely been planning ahead — stocking up on diapers, newborn clothes and blankets, as well as considering how you’ll name your little one. “But before the baby is ...

At the core, birth plans are a way to look “at your expectations, your fears, your needs, and your coping strategies,” Rubin says. And while “birth” is in the name, expecting parents should use them ...

Figure out your childbirth preferences, but also be prepared for plan B … or C. Credit...Kati Szilagyi Supported by By Katherine Hobson This guide was originally published on May 3, 2019 in NYT ...

I am nearly 40 weeks pregnant, and I just gave my OB our birth preferences sheet. As I have mentioned before, most of the decisions of this pregnancy have been fraught with worry, but our birth plan ...

Pregnancy brings a rush of emotions — excitement, anxiety, and curiosity about what labour will be like. Amid all the advice and opinions, your voice matters most. Choosing the right birth plan helps ...

This story is part of SELF's ongoing series exploring black maternal mortality. You can find the rest of the series here. I welcomed the opportunity to plan for my ideal birth, but I knew early on ...

Professor of Midwifery and Higher Degree Director, Western Sydney University While childbirth is often a joyful event, it rarely unfolds exactly how we think it will. This causes disappointment or ...

That moment when your child is placed into your arms for the first time is something you won’t forget. You may have a picture in your mind of how your birth will go or — at least — of how you want ...